IMPOSTOR PHENOMENON IN AN INTERPERSONAL SOCIAL-CONTEXT - ORIGINS AND TREATMENT

The impostor phenomenon is considered in relation to origins in interp ersonal and social contexts. Specifically, messages given in the famil y and in society via gender-role socialization are examined as catalys ts for impostor feelings. Impostor feelings in relation to success and social mobility in women also are addressed. Given this interpersonal /social context, the authors suggest that the most efficacious treatme nt modality for the impostor phenomenon is a feminist-oriented women's group. The phases of women's impostor groups are outlined and general group issues are noted.